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Mayor kicks off African American Heritage Month events

January 30, 2009 | 9:23
am

February is African American Heritage Month, but events kick off today at Los Angeles City Hall with a red carpet award ceremony. Actress Alfre Woodard, singer Natalie Cole and the Rev. James Lawson will be honored at 10 a.m. inside Council Chambers by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa for representing the spirit, dream and hope of Los Angeles.

Festivities will continue with musical performances and speakers on the South Lawn, where Villaraigosa will present the awards again and unveil a sculpture of President Barack Obama, designed by Artis Lane.
Both ceremonies are open to the public. Here's a list of upcoming African American Heritage Month events.

-- Corina Knoll

Photo: Fourth-grader Denisha Pitchford, center, sings as part of an African American Heritage Month program at City Hall in 2005. Credit: Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times